A cinema hall in Odisha witnessed a dangerous situation when over-enthusiastic fans of superstar Prabhas burst firecrackers inside the auditorium during a screening of his new film, 'The Raja Saab', causing a fire to break out. The incident occurred at Ashok Talkies Hall in Rayagada on January 10, 2026, and was captured in a video that has since gone viral on social media platforms.
Chaotic Celebrations Turn Dangerous
According to reports, fans of the Telugu actor engaged in extreme celebrations as the film played. During Prabhas's entry scene, supporters were seen performing an 'aarti' (a ritual involving lighted lamps) and setting off crackers in front of the movie screen. The sparks from the fireworks reportedly ignited confetti or other decorative material near the screen, leading to a small but visible fire.
The viral clip, shared by News18 Odisha and journalist Siraj Noorani on X (formerly Twitter), shows a section of the audience attempting to douse the flames while others continue dancing and celebrating, seemingly unfazed by the potential hazard. Authorities have confirmed that no injuries or casualties were reported from the incident.
Fans Recreate Viral Crocodile Scene
This was not the only instance of fan frenzy surrounding the film's release. In a separate video from another cinema hall, Prabhas's devotees were seen carrying dummy crocodiles over their heads inside the theatre. This stunt was an apparent attempt to recreate a viral moment from the film's trailer, which features the actor in a dramatic physical fight with a crocodile.
The horror-comedy 'The Raja Saab', directed by Maruthi and produced by People Media Factory and IVY Entertainment, finally released on January 9, 2026, after facing several delays. The film features an ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Boman Irani, Nidhhi Agerwal, Malavika Mohanan, Riddhi Kumar, and Zarina Wahab alongside Prabhas.
Strong Box Office Performance Amidst Controversy
Despite the concerning incident, the film has opened to a robust commercial response. 'The Raja Saab' earned an impressive Rs 63.3 crore net on its opening day in India and is projected to cross the coveted Rs 100 crore mark at the domestic box office swiftly. Early reports also indicate a strong overseas performance, with the film garnering over $2 million in North America within its first two days.
The event in Rayagada has sparked discussions about cinema safety protocols and the lengths to which fans go to celebrate their idols, often overlooking basic safety measures. While the fire was brought under control without major damage, it serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with such activities in enclosed public spaces.
